Silent Protest Marks UN Rights Chief Visit as Families Demand Answers on Missing Loved Ones

COLOMBO (News 1st); United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, engaged in a dialogue this morning (25) at Jubilee Hall, Trincomalee, with religious leaders, civil society representatives, and families of the disappeared.

The meeting, held behind closed doors, was preceded by a silent protest outside the venue, where families held photos and placards, demanding answers and justice for loved ones missing for over a decade.

“All religious leaders here highlighted the issues affecting our district. Volker Türk listened attentively. He promised to meet the President tomorrow and said he would inform him about these concerns,” said Swami Agaththiyar, representing the Thirukkailaya Adheenam.

Family members shared deeply personal accounts:

“We’ve been searching for our missing loved ones for 17 years. We just want justice. How much longer do we have to live like this?”

“It’s been 17 years since the war ended, yet our lands in the North and East are still being taken. We’re being pushed out of our own homes.”

One recounted the disappearance of her child and 12 others in Sathurukondan, Batticaloa, and the abduction of a brother in a white van on Valentine’s Day 2009.

“We want justice — for the disappeared, for the massacres, and for the ongoing land grabs. We’re handing over this message in hope of real solutions.”

Later in the day, Türk met with Eastern Province Governor Jayanta Lal Ratnasekera at the Governor’s Office.

“We exchanged views on resettlement, the disappeared, and broader human rights concerns. They presented proposals, especially regarding land disputes. From what I gathered, they were pleased with the steps the government has taken so far. They also appreciated our efforts to ensure public welfare while avoiding corruption,” said the Governor.